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Derby pitch invader apologises

Paul Keaveny

The Manchester City fan who ran on to the pitch and tried to confront Rio Ferdinand in Sunday's derby match has apologised, his solicitors said on Monday.

Matthew Stott, 21, had to be restrained by City keeper Joe Hart and was arrested following Robin van Persie's late winner at the Etihad Stadium.

He was subsequently charged with pitch encroachment.

Speaking through his solicitors, Stott confessed his guilt - and said sorry to the Manchester United defender.

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"I would like to apologise to all those affected by my actions, particularly Mr Ferdinand and the other players," he said. "I am extremely ashamed of my actions. I have let myself down, my family down, my fellow fans down and Manchester City Football Club.

"I intend to write personally to Mr Ferdinand to express my extreme regret and apologies and also apologise to Manchester United and their fans. I would like to thank Joe Hart for his actions when I came on the pitch."

Greater Manchester Police charged nine people, including Stott, following the trouble which flared at the end of the derby.

But the person who threw the coin at Rio Ferdinand has yet to be identified and police are continuing to work with City to find the offender, a police spokesman said.

Stott's lawyers claimed their client's actions were: "a momentary mistake by Mr Stott which has led to him being charged, brought shame on his family, and will bring sanctions on the club that Mr Stott has supported all his life.

"Mr Stott will accept the consequences of his actions. He would like to make clear that he is not the stereotypical drunken football fan but a fan that attends games with his father.

"He is embarrassed and ashamed of his temporary moment of madness that has brought wider consequences on the club he supports and his fellow fans."

Chief Inspector Steve Howard said: "To have just 13 arrests for a crowd of this size and a match of this proportion is a testament to the policing operation we put in place.

"Despite fierce rivalry and high tension there was no major disorder. However, we will continue to investigate the coin-throwing incident and are determined to work with the club to bring the perpetrator to justice."